What’s the Difference Between a Sofa and Couch? Designers Weigh In
When it comes to everyday design lingo, decorators and interior designers have some strong feelings about which terms are correct. There’s hot debate about what to call certain furniture and furnishings (so if you’ve ever wondered about the difference between a sofa and couch or drapes and curtains, you’re certainly not alone). Here, we break down common interior design words—and how the pros really feel about them.
Curtains, Drapery, or Drapes?
Designers are split on curtains versus drapery. “Typically, draperies are thicker and heavier, in fabrics like silk or velvet, and lined, whereas curtains are lighter and more sheer. I mostly use curtains because our interiors are a little lighter,” explains Atlanta- based Beth Webb, whereas Nashville-based Brad Ramsey exclusively uses the word drapery because it implies custom.
“I like to joke that people don’t hire me for curtains and couches,” he says. One matter on which designers (and editors) are unanimous: “Drape is a verb, not a noun,” says Washington, DC–based Sally Steponkus. “I can’t stand when I hear drapes used as a noun. It makes my skin crawl.”
Sofa or Couch?
“Historically, couches referred to armless seating pieces, but now the term is used interchangeably for any sofa with a more relaxed feel,” says Austin, Texas–based Laura Britt. “We prefer sofa because the pieces we source or design tend to have a more polished look for more refined settings.”
Indeed, its association with craftsmanship is why designers across the board prefer sofa to couch. Adds Atlanta-based Theresa Butler, “The word couch sounds old and worn, whereas sofa sounds like a beautifully crafted piece.”
Coffee or Cocktail Table?
“Cocktail tables came on the scene in the Mad Men era, when shakers and drinks were integrated into the everyday. But I think the term went the way of the three-martini lunch.Now living rooms are less formal, and a ‘coffee table’ just sounds more comfortable. Plus, it seems more democratic and less alcoholic,” says Los Angeles–based Peter Dunham.
“It’s like automobile and car: ‘Automobile’ sounded good at the beginning, but do you really rattle off ‘automobile’ when you talk about your car?”
Carpet or Rug?
Most designers agree on a distinct difference between the two: “Carpet comes off a bolt, whereas a rug is something woven to particular dimensions,” says Birmingham-based Caroline Gidiere. Adds New York–based Eddie Lee, “Carpet is woven on a wide loom and can be installed wall to wall.”
However, several designers note that carpet is used differently abroad: “Carpet is used well over rug in countries where they are typically made, as I learned recently while visiting Morocco,” says South Carolina–based Louise Hane.
Pillows or Cushions?
Most American designers use both words—differently. “For me, cushions are part of the sofa, representing the seat or the back, whereas pillows are decorative add-ons to dress up the sofa or pro- vide additional support,” says Florida-based Denise Fogarty. But some acknowledge the difference between the two is not so cut- and-dried.
“Either is acceptable, with cushions being more English and pillows more American,” notes Houston- and New York–based Catherine Olasky. Adds Fogarty, “I’ve had clients refer to pillows as cushions, and it totally confuses me!”
Join the VERANDA Design Society
Featured in the March/April 2025 issue of VERANDA.
link
